©AP Photo/Michel Euler
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced very hot weather in your city? If so, what did you do to stay safe? If not, what would you do?
- Do you know any countries in Europe that get very hot in summer? If so, which ones? If not, which country do you think is the hottest?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- disruption /dis-RUHP-shuhn/
- considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl/
- explain /ik-SPLEYN/
- effective /ih-FEK-tiv/
- alert /uh-LURT/
[noun] – when something stops working or happening in the normal way
The storm caused a big disruption in bus service.
[adjective] – large or important enough to be noticed
The team made considerable progress this year.
[verb] – to make something clear or easy to understand
The teacher will explain the new rule tomorrow.
[adjective] – successful or working well
Drinking water is effective in keeping the body cool.
[adjective] – quick to notice and react to danger or problems
Drivers must stay alert at night.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In late June 2025, a major heatwave hit southern Europe, bringing temperatures above 40°C in countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal. Authorities in these countries issued health alerts and wildfire warnings because of the unprecedented heat. In Lisbon, Portugal, temperatures reached 42°C, and about two-thirds of the country stayed on high alert. Greece experienced a wildfire near the Temple of Poseidon, which caused road closures and people to evacuate. Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, and Naples were placed under the highest heat alert. Regions like Lazio and Tuscany decided to stop outdoor work during the hottest hours. In Spain, areas like Seville recorded temperatures higher than normal, and experts said that June might become the hottest month ever recorded. These heatwaves created disruption in daily life and brought considerable risk to people’s health.
Experts said that the intensification of these heatwaves is connected to climate change. They explained that such events are becoming more prevalent in recent years. A study from The Lancet Public Health showed that heat-related deaths might quadruple by the middle of the century if strong actions are not taken. The study also shared that, even though cold weather causes more deaths now, heat will soon lead to a disproportionate number of deaths. These findings show the need for effective climate plans to protect health and safety. Filipino workers and tourists in Europe are advised to stay alert and follow official guidelines to reduce possible danger during these extreme weather events.
Experts said that the intensification of these heatwaves is connected to climate change. They explained that such events are becoming more prevalent in recent years. A study from The Lancet Public Health showed that heat-related deaths might quadruple by the middle of the century if strong actions are not taken. The study also shared that, even though cold weather causes more deaths now, heat will soon lead to a disproportionate number of deaths. These findings show the need for effective climate plans to protect health and safety. Filipino workers and tourists in Europe are advised to stay alert and follow official guidelines to reduce possible danger during these extreme weather events.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What event happened in southern Europe in late June 2025?
- Which countries were affected by the heatwave?
- Why did authorities issue health alerts?
- What temperature was recorded in Lisbon, Portugal?
- What happened near the Temple of Poseidon in Greece?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever stayed indoors because of very hot weather? If so, what did you do? If not, what would you do?
- Have you seen a fire caused by very hot weather? If so, what happened? If not, how would you feel if you saw one?
- Do you agree that outdoor work should stop during very hot days?
- Why do you think wildfires often happen during heatwaves?
- Why is it important to have a plan for extreme weather?